Hanako Footman: A Multifaceted Talent in Acting and Literature

Hanako Footman is a British-Japanese actor and novelist celebrated for her dynamic career spanning television, film, theatre, and literature.

Known for her captivating on-screen performances and compelling literary voice, Footman has established herself as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment and literary worlds. A graduate of the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), she has appeared in acclaimed television series such as The Crown, Defending the Guilty, and Toast of Tinseltown, while also earning accolades for her work on stage in productions like Mad House and Not Yet Midnight.

In addition to her acting career, Footman has made a significant literary debut with her novel Mongrel, published by Footnote Press in February 2024. The novel, which explores themes of identity, belonging, and resilience, has garnered critical acclaim and was shortlisted for the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize. Her ability to craft deeply personal and emotionally resonant stories has marked her as a literary voice to watch.

Born in London to a Japanese mother and an English-Irish father, Footman grew up in a multicultural household that helped shape her creative identity. Her diverse heritage informs much of her artistic work, allowing her to bring nuanced perspectives to the roles she portrays and the stories she writes. With an impressive career that bridges the worlds of acting and literature, Footman continues to captivate audiences and readers alike, making her one of today’s most compelling creative talents.

Early Life and Education

Born on April 29, 1994, in Wimbledon, London, to a Japanese mother and an English-Irish father, Footman was immersed in a multicultural environment from an early age. She has two sisters, one of whom, Erika, is a musician. Footman pursued a foundation course at LAMDA, graduating in 2014, where she honed her acting skills and prepared for a versatile career in the performing arts.

Television and Film

Footman made her television debut in 2012 as Isabella in the ITV miniseries The Town. She gained wider recognition with her role as Lily in the Netflix series The Crown (2017), appearing in the episode "A Company of Men". Her portrayal of Pia in the BBC Two sitcom Defending the Guilty (2018–2019) further showcased her comedic talent. In film, Footman has appeared in notable projects such as Slaughterhouse Rulez (2018), Official Secrets (2019) as Nicole Mowbray, and Guns Akimbo (2019) as Ruby. She also featured in the Icelandic series Stella Blómkvist and the BBC series Toast of Tinseltown (2022).

Theatre

Footman's theatre credits are equally impressive. She starred in Thyestes at the Courtyard Theatre, London (2015), and in Modern Love at The Pleasance, Edinburgh, followed by a run at the Etcetera Theatre in London (2016). In 2022, she made her West End debut as Devon in the world premiere of Theresa Rebeck's play Mad House at the Ambassadors Theatre, performing alongside David Harbour and Bill Pullman. She continued to captivate audiences in 2023 with her role in Not Yet Midnight at the Royal Court Theatre, as part of the New Plays: Japan presentation.

Literary Pursuits

In addition to her acting career, Footman is an accomplished novelist. Her debut novel, Mongrel, was published by Footnote Press in February 2024 and received critical acclaim, being shortlisted for the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize the same year. The novel was also longlisted for the 2021 Mo Siewcharran Prize, highlighting Footman's literary talent and her ability to craft compelling narratives beyond the screen and stage.

Personal Life

Footman is in a relationship with fellow actor Jack Farthing, known for his roles in Poldark and Official Secrets. The couple's partnership extends beyond their personal lives, as they have collaborated professionally in the film industry.

Hanako Footman's multifaceted career in acting and literature, combined with her rich cultural heritage, positions her as a significant figure in contemporary arts. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to excel across various mediums continue to captivate audiences and readers alike, marking her as a talent to watch in the years to come.

For more information on Hanako Footman and her work, visit her official website.